Money for child abuse centers OK'd by lawmakers

April 1, 2014 12:01 AM

April 1, 2014 12:01 AM

HARRISBURG -- A bill to expand programs that help detect and prevent child abuse in Pennsylvania was approved overwhelmingly by the state House on Monday and sent to Gov. Tom Corbett for his signature.

The House voted 197-5 in favor of the measure designed to expand the use of children's advocacy centers. Corbett's office said he planned to sign it.

The need for greater use of such regional centers was recommended by a legislative task force established soon after former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky's arrest on child molestation charges.

"The task force at that time felt there should be a one-stop shop for everybody to get together when there is a problem with a child who had been abused or at risk in the system," said the prime sponsor, Rep. Julie Harhart, R-Lehigh.SOURCE: Associated Press